The fundamental defect of fathers is that they want their children to be a credit to them.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Fathers often want their children to reflect positively on them, a fundamental flaw.
- In plain terms
- Parents may seek personal pride through their kids.
- What can you take from it?
- Raise children for their own sake, not as extensions of self.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does parental expectation shape a child's choices?
- What are healthier ways to support children?
Another view
Some cultural traditions value family reputation highly.
More from Bertrand Russell
Patriots always talk of dying for their country, and never of killing for their country.
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